This guide explains the key email protocols used in our hosting environment and how they work together to deliver your email service.
Core Email Protocols
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
- Purpose
- Handles outgoing email delivery
- Routes messages between mail servers
- Manages email submission from clients
- Configuration Details
- Server: mail.yourdomain.com
- Port: 465 (SSL/TLS)
- Authentication: Required
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
- Purpose
- Manages incoming email retrieval
- Synchronizes messages across devices
- Maintains server-side email storage
- Configuration Details
- Server: mail.yourdomain.com
- Port: 993 (SSL/TLS)
- Authentication: Required
Security Protocols
SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security)
- Function
- Encrypts email communications
- Protects login credentials
- Ensures data integrity
- Implementation
- Automatic encryption on all connections
- Certificate-based authentication
- Industry-standard security
Authentication Protocols
SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
- Purpose
- Prevents email spoofing
- Verifies authorized sending servers
- Improves delivery reliability
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
- Function
- Digitally signs outgoing emails
- Verifies email authenticity
- Prevents message tampering
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication)
- Role
- Combines SPF and DKIM verification
- Sets handling policy for failed authentication
- Provides reporting capabilities
Protocol Implementation
Email Client Setup
- Automatic Configuration
- Most clients auto-detect settings
- Uses standard ports and protocols
- Enables security by default
- Manual Configuration
- Uses standard server settings
- Requires SSL/TLS encryption
- Authentication always required
Common Protocol Issues
- Connection Problems
- Incorrect port numbers
- SSL/TLS configuration errors
- Authentication failures
- Delivery Issues
- SPF record misconfiguration
- DKIM signing problems
- DMARC policy conflicts
Protocol Management
As part of our managed hosting service, we handle all protocol configurations and updates. If you experience any issues:
- Contact support for configuration changes
- Report any delivery problems promptly
- Request protocol verification checks
Getting Support
For protocol-related assistance:
- Email: support [at] webops [dot] host
- Support ticket system: Available through your client portal
- Emergency support: Available 24/7
